Wills , Trusts and Estates Laws. A person appointed by a probate court to manage the affairs of a deceased person during probate, usually a portion of the estate to preserve the assets. For example, an art curator may be appointed to ensure the care of a decedent’s large art collection before it is sold. A special administrator may also be appointed to manage the affairs of the estate during a will contest, where the property is not distributed until after litigation is completed. The duty of the administrator is to maintain and preserve the estate.